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This was simply beautiful and the tale of true friendship. Throw in a bit of romance and music from an epic era and you've created a masterpiece. This is definitely going on my favorites list. I recommend it.

After taking a three year hiatus from anime, I have found it difficult at times to watch new shows and truly enjoy them. Perhaps my growing love for innovative, abstract cinematic masterpieces and classic literature has naturally made me set the bar high. As an English major, I have found myself expecting nothing more than stories with strong character development and a well-crafted plot.
So ...

After taking a three year hiatus from anime, I have found it difficult at times to watch new shows and truly enjoy them. Perhaps my growing love for innovative, abstract cinematic masterpieces and classic literature has naturally made me set the bar high. As an English major, I have found myself expecting nothing more than stories with strong character development and a well-crafted plot.
So naturally, I had a hard time enjoying new anime that had recycled the same plots and characters from the shows that I had grown up with. But then I discovered Sakamichi no Apollon (Kids on the Slope) on here by accident. Boy, was I glad I gave this show a chance!
By the end of the first episode, I remembered why I loved anime. Very rarely does a show ever do such a thing. By the end of the second episode, I was hooked. By the end of the tenth episode, it was 4 AM on a school night. By the end of the twelfth episode, I was crying. Please note that very seldomly does anime ever make me cry.

I guess I will break it down as I do on MyAnimeList.net

Story: Basically, it is the story of Kaoru Nishimi- a wealthy, introverted student who transfers to a new school. Expecting another lonely year in a strange environment, he stumbles upon the rambunctious and free-spirited Sentarou and his darling best friend, Ritsuko, who quickly introduce him to jazz music. Being a pianist, Kaoru takes interest in this progressive genre and develops not only friendships with Sentarou and Ritsuko through it, but allows it to help him re-shape his perspectives of life, people, and the circumstances around him.
One of the first things that is so refreshing about Kids on the Slope is how real the entire story is. There are hardly any cliches but rather a bountiful amount of surprises. Unlike many shows in the 'Slice of Life' genre, Kids on the Slope manages to create a gripping story that carefully times every episode with a cliffhanger.
The best part of the series is the refreshing setting. It takes place in 1960's Kyushu, which (if my art and Asian history serve me correctly), was still a small, rural area that was being influenced by 60's through unique, local music and an anti-art movement. The historical context is spot on and adds new dimensions to the show. We watch the characters not only deal with their own issues, but the political and social complexities of the time. We even witness a circumstance where characters must deal with racism- a subject I have rarely seen approached in anime.
The recognition of prejudice and hate in humans, and the desire live through a world of it through the love of music and friendship is ultimately what gives this show its heart. It is what every Slice of Life show wishes to be, because it truly is an excerpt of life told through an anime, the extremities and the harsh reality we live in included.

It doesn't get more real than this.

Characters: While this series is only 12 episodes, creator Yuki Kodama did a superb job of allowing the characters to develop naturally. While the romance in the story might seem rushed at times, I think we tend to forget ourselves how overwhelming it is when we meet someone we immediately have feelings for. None of the characters are perfect- they all have flaws and a false sense of reality at times. Kaoru's character isn't necessarily extremely likable or dislikable, for we literally watch him struggle with the reality of growing up. However, he's a character we can all relate to from some point in our lives and this helps us cheer him on in his endeavors, for we just want him to become carefree and happy. Sentarou is lovable and brings so much energy and enthusiasm to the show and his character development is incredible. Ritsuko has to be one of the most likable female characters I've ever seen in a series. Even minor characters like Junichi, Yurika, and the ridiculous Seiji make the show what it is. Each character has a definite purpose- no one comes and goes with little impact. Everyone matters.

Art: Of course the last anime I probably watched was back in 2007 prior to this. Boy, has animation changed in just a few years. The animation of Kids on the Slope is just as beautiful as it is advertised. The colors are warm and serene. Everything about the art is so smooth and delightful. Oh- and the jazz sequences! The animation of Kaoru's fingers on the piano, Junichi's on his trumpet, Tsutomu's on the bass, and Sentarou with his drums- it's flawless. That's all I can really say. Everything is so spot on with the music they are playing it's almost unbelievable. I even really appreciated the effort spent on perfecting the album covers of the jazz vinyls- they were nearly identical to the actual thing!

Music: There is no need to rant about how incredible the music is. There is a jazz piece about every episode and the final episodes contain these incredible jazz medleys that leave you blown away. I am a huge fan of jazz music, so I might be a little bit biased, but the music is just great. I don't even know where to begin. Just see for yourself!

Overall: Kids on the Slope is something different and a precious contribution to the world of anime. It will move and change you as you fall in love with the characters and become invested in their lives. Whether or not you are into music anime, you should definitely give this one a chance.

(If you find yourself devastated and deprived once it is over, I highly suggest watching Nodame Cantabile . )

this anime was absolutely terrible and only speaks on the low industry standard we have all grown accustomed to today. the series revolves around simple one dimensional characters who portray japanese culture as sexist, homophobic, and sexually repressed. i am bummed out that this came Shinchiro Watanabe who made Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, this is obviously a sign of his decline.

The script is great, the story is engaging and entertaining, the characters are lovable, and the soundtrack is perfect. I wish there was more of this anime, or at least more like it. Truly one of a kind and the best anime to be made in a long time.

this is an anime that would make you laugh, cry, smile, think of going back to the 60's so on. Its very touching, like a reality through anime lenses thats how i would put it. you will be enchanted by every jazz jam played by the characters be you a jazz lover or not. I recommend it for everyone.

Let's do a trivia here! Are you someone who wants to know what it is like back in the 1960's? Ever wanted to build an escapism from the harsh reality of today's world? Want to just sit back and enjoy some old school music after a stressful day? Well, perhaps you've found a series worthy to invest your time into because Kids on the Slope is there and sure to give you something to think ...

Let's do a trivia here! Are you someone who wants to know what it is like back in the 1960's? Ever wanted to build an escapism from the harsh reality of today's world? Want to just sit back and enjoy some old school music after a stressful day? Well, perhaps you've found a series worthy to invest your time into because Kids on the Slope is there and sure to give you something to think about.

Kids on the Slope (also known as Sakamichi no Apollon) is a story taking place in the beginning of summer, 1966. It stars the protagonist Kaoru Nishimi, an honor student who tends to keep to himself. He has a rather reserved personality and hard to open up. That is until he meets the bad boy and future best friend Sentaro Kawabuchi. While mistakenly getting to a bad start, these two soon develop an unforgettable friendship based on respect, forgiveness, and of course, music. Later comes into picture is Ritsuko Mukae, a friendly girl who plays intriguing roles in the story ranging from music, friendship, and later love. The series follows three friends as they create unforgettable memories of the 1960s in the age of jazz music, friendship, and melody.

Well, first of all this series contains the unification of icons Watanabe Shinichi (Series Director of Cowboy Bebop) and music composer Yoko Kanno. That alone can be seen as a good reason to start watching. While labeled as a coming-of-age drama, this series also contains a bit of the romance theme and of course, drama. So for those interested into the intertwined story arcs mixed in with misunderstandings, jazz critique, and love trials, then this could be a little added bonus.

[ - Story - ]
Kids on the Slope details friendship and is one of the most important element of the series and should not be just seen as an aspect of the anime but in real life as well. Kaoru, Sentaro, Ritsuko forge friendship through one common passion: the love of music and the bond that they share.

This series does not have a strong impression at first. From the first episode, there's not much to say besides the typical high school drama and music setting. Furthermore, for those carving for action and psychological twists or for some who call it “mindfucks”, then this is the wrong series to look into. Thankfully, there's an old saying that goes “never judge a book by its cover”. Damn right, you shouldn't because this coming-of-age drama is sure to give you a surprising twist.

In the beginning, there is the common theme. Kaoru falls for the friendly girl, Sentaro falls for the graceful girl, and Ritsuko is already in love with the childhood bad boy. Then comes even more characters that makes the already complicated geometric love shape even more complicated later on.

Kids on the Slope moves at a relative pace that can be considered neither slow or fast. Ironically, it starts off slow even though it's kids on the SLOPE. Anything that flows down a slope relatively moves fast but in this case retains a relatively average pace. So I'll say this again, this series is not for the fans who carves the fast paced action and psychological twists. If you want that, try Jormungand or something.

[ - Characters ]
While the characters are animated plainly and simple, their inner character and style is what drives this series as why it's ranked into the #100 of MAL. Beyond the romance polygon are characters that balances out the series.

First we have Kaoru, the middleman who has the reserved personality. He is smart, he is reserved, and he has the talents to become a real star. Thankfully with some fate, he finds someone who also share a similar love for the age of music. That brings us to Sentaro. Like the opposite of ying and yang, Sentaro is seen as the tough guy with the soft spot, the one that picks fights but also the guy who protects and values his friendship with the other characters from the bottom of his heart. His outer image covers up the fact that he is a deep down guy and cares for the people and things he truly loves; his friends, his family, and the children that respects him so much and of course, music. Finally, there's Ritsuko. She is the cheerful girl, the one that builds bridges of friendship with friends and generally well-liked. Yet behind her outer image lies a somewhat insecure girl and sometimes jealous of others' ability to be so outright themselves.

Later on of course, there are other characters that enter the scene that have stark personalities and also not who they appear to be. I'd love to go on and on about these characters but this isn't an summary is, it? This is a review so I'll leave you to find out. But trust me, you'll love to get to know them once you see the realism behind their outer characters.

And speaking of realism, it is noticeable that the characters' personal lives are conveyed in a way that can be seen and defined as quite real. Whether tragic, sad, or cheerful, we see the histories of the main characters that can be related to most of us. They all have background histories that brings the overall realism into the 1960's and even towards today.

[ - Animation/Art -]
If there's one thing to forget, it might be the art. I'll say this in the most honest way as possible:

It is too plain and simple.

The animation is not rich and series airing this Spring Season like Fate/Zero puts it to shame in the art department. The animation however brings out a powerful feeling of nature and refines the 1960s style in its finest form. While plain and simple (Karou's glasses, Sentaro's shirt, etc), we can see that the culture it tries to convey of the 1960s is successful. Culture has indeed changed from the past to present day as we can clearly see the lesser technology and more general and sophisticated themes. It is simple and not detailed just like how high school should be. It doesn't need to be something special that makes us go “wow!” After all, the precise of an entire series is not always judged by art solely. At one point of watching over 100 series, it's just down right common sense.

[ - Sound/Music - ]
Ah yes, this is the main event, if for any reason to watch this series at all, it is this.

Music and life plays a key role in this series and thus, one could expect the melancholy and drama the music lyrics conveys and delivers. With the ultra talented Yoko Kanno in charge, one can expect a blockbuster hit and smash of the season. And she does not disappoint, neither her skills or the characters' that plays both artistically and beautifully in the series.

In fact, the music in the series plays well, even in rhythm with the main characters. If you take careful notice, the way and style they play their instruments systemically match their art and moments. The way the characters play the music is natural and in the ways they are of themselves, not for a popularity contest. To play music and bring pleasure to the ears is something to respect and take notice of. These kids really do have talent.

[ - Enjoyment - ]
This story is of the old school coming-of-age style so the pleasure of enjoying this series can vary. At first glance, one might decide to drop or put on-hold at its relative pace as well as its lack of the typical “shounen action”. But with so many of those airing these days (including this season), why not give something new a try?

It's more than just a high school story of kids falling in painful geometric shapes of love or the “friendship conquers all”. And of course, despite being hard to make it into the mainstream, it's one of those series that takes an unique and cultural approach of the coming-of-age genre mixing in with jazz music, friendship, and love all in a wonderful little package. The characters are unique and real with their backgrounds, contrasting personalities, and style. The story is easy to follow despite its intertwined arcs. The art (despite plain and simple) brings out the naturalism and culture of the 1960s. It's something not as complicated as the real world we face today because it's so damn right simple. Honestly, I miss it. And who can forget the relaxing music? Without it, this series would be dead. But with it, the series comes to life through realism and gives viewers something to talk about.

Again for those who are so into the shounen style battles, the fan-service of ecchi shows, or psychological mindfucks, this series can be something new to look forward to.

After all, there's an old saying that goes, “life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." And once you open that box, you'll be surprised what you'll find. In this case, it's Kids on the Slope.

Kids of the Slope was such a pleasant surprise. From the synopsis, I imagined a typical music anime, just one based on jazz. However, it was amazing to discover that this series was about so much than that.

Kaoru is the new kid of the slope (their school is atop a hill) and ...

Kids of the Slope was such a pleasant surprise. From the synopsis, I imagined a typical music anime, just one based on jazz. However, it was amazing to discover that this series was about so much than that.

Kaoru is the new kid of the slope (their school is atop a hill) and he's feeling out of place. He's moved around a lot since he was a kid, so this is just another awkward day of being the new kid . It's his first day of class and the other kids aren't being too nice, the jerks, except for the class representative, Ritsuko. The class nerd warns him about a trouble making kid named Sentaro. Despite his decision to stay away from him, Kaoru runs into Sentaro anyway. Thus, beautiful relationships are formed between Kaoru and Sentaro and Kaoru and Ritsuko, and all three, tied together by love and jazz.

This series is such a rarity. I cannot remember the last time that I watched a series (anime or drama) in which I had no complaints, or moments of disappointment. This series was pure perfection. The character development, the storyline/plot, the music, the artwork, and the pacing were all perfectly portrayed. This is a stunning series about friendship, love, and finding one's place in the world. It's the same old themes, but you don't care, because the series is so well-done that it seems as if it's the first time. This series succeeds in that it's so down-to-earth. It doesn't try very hard. Kids of the Slope is simply about true bromance, true love, and real emotions and experiences. Nothing more, nothing less. And it's enough.

Phenomenal music, good story, excellent animation. Everything you'd expect from Shinichiro Watanabe and Yoko Kanno. Bittersweet to the end and short enough to not drag out. Like any good jazz song. It's a coming of age tale that feels somewhat predictable in it's handling of high school emotions but right when you've got the whole thing figured out it changes on you. They switch tune and tone. ...

Phenomenal music, good story, excellent animation. Everything you'd expect from Shinichiro Watanabe and Yoko Kanno. Bittersweet to the end and short enough to not drag out. Like any good jazz song. It's a coming of age tale that feels somewhat predictable in it's handling of high school emotions but right when you've got the whole thing figured out it changes on you. They switch tune and tone. There's a hint of melancholy to everything but that somehow makes it seem more realistic. This show will make you feel something; be it pangs of sadness, nostalgia, hope, whatever. You will feel something for these characters and that's an experience worth having.

With anime it is often about archtypes and grand stories, not the small idyll which high school is revealed in retrospect. This anime is more about character and the way challenge is dealt with than any traditional guy meet girl, wait a few episodes for them to fall in love, etc.
The questions faced are ones you have faced: how does what I love as a hobby translate after high school, and can ...

With anime it is often about archtypes and grand stories, not the small idyll which high school is revealed in retrospect. This anime is more about character and the way challenge is dealt with than any traditional guy meet girl, wait a few episodes for them to fall in love, etc.
The questions faced are ones you have faced: how does what I love as a hobby translate after high school, and can it? How do I face every day someone I love who I know doesn't love me? And how long with those high school friendships last outside of such a closed environment? This anime not only gives a view of a Japanese port town, with the US sailors and cultural influence but it covers topics like the growth, mistakes and facing reality in hero worship as well as being part of something bigger than the self: Jazz.
High recommendation for music lovers, history lovers and those who like well told tales. I would put it up there with Ishiguro's works.

As I approach my last year in school I find my-self questioning what I want to become in this world and what I'll leave (deep I know but don't worry its not all this depressing). Kids on the slope is a an anime that in my opinion comes round very rarely and is scarcely appreciated for what it is, a great, realistic look at a random life somewhere. I like these types of animes as they make me ...

As I approach my last year in school I find my-self questioning what I want to become in this world and what I'll leave (deep I know but don't worry its not all this depressing). Kids on the slope is a an anime that in my opinion comes round very rarely and is scarcely appreciated for what it is, a great, realistic look at a random life somewhere. I like these types of animes as they make me realize that many people set out to be something in life and yet very few achieve.
Anyway back to reality. Being made by sunrise and directed by Bebops Watanabe along with Yoko Kano on music I went into this anime with my head held high expecting a concoction of jazz and class. I was not disappointed.

About the Show

The story of Kids on the Slope really starts rolling when the classical piano-trained Kaoru encounters Sentaro and falls head-over-heels in
The story of Kids on the Slope really starts rolling when the classical piano-trained Kaoru encounters Sentaro and falls head-over-heels in love with jazz. One thing to look out for is the performance scene of an excellent jazz piece in every episode. Up-and-coming young jazz musicians are employed here, with Takashi Matsunaga (Kaoru) on piano and Shun Ishiwaka (Sentaro) on drums. Yoko Kanno produces the sessions, which are then used directly for the anime.
Jazz standards like “Moanin’”, “My Favorite Things”, and “Someday My Prince Will Come” are played along with improvisational performances that reflect the mood of the characters at the time, whether they’re in high spirits, or feel lonely, confused, angry, and so on. How these occasional performances and feelings are portrayed and directed is one more highlight of the show. Director Watanabe’s “sessions” are a mix of images and music, so innovative and exciting visual expressions should be expected. ...more